William Fargo Signed Stock Certificate for American Merchants Union Express Company.

FARGO, William.

$975.00

Item Number: 148072

New York: American Merchants Union Express Company, 1869.

Rare American Merchants Union Express Company stock certificate signed by American businessman William Fargo. In November 1868, the American Express Company and the Merchants Union Express Company merged, and Fargo became the president of the American Merchants Union Express Company, a position he held until his death. The company then became the American Express Company in 1873. Partially printed document signed “Wm G. Fargo” as President, by “J. N. Knapp” as Secretary and “E. P. Ross” as Treasurer, one page, numbered 5981, dated June 30, 1869. Stock certificate for five shares in American Merchants Union Express Company to William Brownell. In near fine condition with cancellation stamp. The piece measures 12 inches by 9 inches.

William Fargo was an American businessman and a key figure in the development of the financial and transportation sectors in the 19th century. In 1850, he co-founded the American Express Company after the consolidation of three express services of the period: Wells & Company; Livingston, Fargo & Company; and Butterfield, Wasson & Company. Initially specializing in secure freight and financial services, and later evolving into a global financial institution. In 1852, he co-founded Wells Fargo & Company to serve the growing banking and express needs of the western United States during the Gold Rush. Wells Fargo became instrumental in stagecoach transportation, banking, and express delivery, facilitating economic expansion.